Profitability: Advance further expanded with new technologies and assistance systems

• Top starting point: top aerodynamics, perfectly tuned drivetrain, all-round service from Omniplus
• PPC takes over the speed and gearshift strategy on almost all
  extra-urban roads
• Efficient on-board electrical system voltage reduces energy consumption     
• From Eco Driver Feedback to Driver Score: the driver trainer drives along
  

Coach connoisseurs know that one of the outstanding features of every Setra coach is maximum profitability.In the Setra TopClass, revolutionary assistance systems also support efficiency. The optional ADA 2 enables partially automated driving in all speed ranges. This means more safety – and more profitability. The intelligent, fuel-saving cruise control system PPC covers almost all extra-urban roads in Europe in addition to motorways and highways. And the new optional Driver Score assistance system provides the driver with up-to-date feedback including concrete recommendations for action – for a driving style that is as economical as possible.

Top starting point: top aerodynamics, perfectly tuned drivetrain, all-round service

It was an unmistakable blow: with a long roof spoiler at the front, a strongly curved windscreen, the aero rear with spoiler lip and numerous other detailed measures, the Setra TopClass 500 achieved a new best value in its segment at its premiere with a drag coefficient of Cd = 0.33.

In addition, the body is lowered automatically at motorway speeds to reduce the frontal area. A perfectly matched drivetrain from a single source with engines, transmissions and low-friction drive axles are further highlights. The same applies to maintenance intervals of up to 120,000 kilometers or two years, the exemplary 24 h Service and the largest coach-specific service network in Europe from Omniplus. In addition, Omniplus On offers a wide range of digital services, including Omniplus Uptime, the permanent monitoring of all essential coach functions. Industry connoisseurs also have the high value retention of a Setra in mind.

PPC takes over the speed and gearshift strategy on almost all extra-urban roads

The further developed and anticipatory cruise control system PPC – standard in the Setra TopClass – integrates a driving style adapted to the topography into the automatic gearshift system and, in combination with the precisely tuned gearshift strategy, enables noticeable fuel savings. PPC not only navigates reliably on motorways and highways, but also on country roads, takes junctions and roundabouts into account and is networked with the adaptive cruise control. It can be used from a speed of 15 km/h.

The anticipatory cruise control system PPC makes use of the topographical data of more than 95 percent of the motorways, main roads and interurban roads in many European countries. PPC uses GPS to know the current position of the coach and its route ahead with its altitude profile or gradient at all times. On the basis of this data, the current and specified speed, the current vehicle mass as well as the data on engine output, torque and transmission, PPC regulates the speed and influences the gearshift strategy. EcoRoll is also used: the technology selects the neutral position of the transmission in worthwhile cases and thus allows the coach to coast for longer without drag losses, saving fuel. The engine continues to idle. The technology then engages the appropriate gear again.

The PPC cruise control also avoids unnecessary braking, accelerating or shifting on winding country drives and thus supports the driver in wear-free and fuel-saving driving. If PPC is activated on the intercity route and a coasting situation is detected, the target speed and the reason for the speed reduction (bend, roundabout, pay attention to right of way, stop) are displayed in the instrument cluster. Based on the stored maps, PPC automatically throttles the speed when entering towns and cities, as well as before country road bends with a tight radius or obstacles such as roundabouts and stops or right-of-way points. The driver then takes over the necessary stopping. It can adapt the deceleration response to route events in five stages to the current deployment from a dynamic to a particularly economical driving style. It can also set a cornering speed factor in five stages to take into account boundary conditions such as lane width and edge construction. In this case, the range ranges from the particularly passenger-friendly to a dynamic variant, for example when driving without passengers. The PPC interventions can be overridden at any time by the driver via their own brake application or actuation of the accelerator pedal, so that the driver always has control. After manual driving over the obstacle, the driver has the option of reactivating cruise control, which then accelerates again to the set speed. In any case, the driver remains fully responsible for the safety of his passengers. The interplay between PPC and adaptive cruise control can further improve fuel efficiency: ART continuously provides the system with information about vehicles in front so that the intelligent cruise control can ideally plan shift operations and the speed curve and make the best possible use of the vehicle’s momentum for coasting phases.

Efficient on-board electrical system voltage reduces energy consumption

Even seemingly small things can have a noticeable effect. For example, the on-board electrical system voltage in the Setra TopClass is selected according to efficiency aspects. This means that the charging voltage is increased in overrun phases in order to charge free energy into the battery. Conversely, the charging voltage is lowered in traction phases – i.e. when accelerating or when high power is required on uphill gradients. This relieves the alternators and thus reduces fuel consumption. If the state of charge of the batteries drops below 70 percent, the function is deactivated and an optimized charging voltage is set for the battery. At regular operating hour intervals, the function is deactivated and the optimized charging voltage is applied for a certain period of time for battery maintenance and thus for the service life of the batteries. Efficient regulation of the on-board electrical system voltage reduces fuel consumption by around 0.3 percent.

Driver Score: the driver trainer is always on board

With Driver Score for more sustainability: the assistance system evaluates the current driving style based on numerous parameters as well as the use of the driver assistance systems and enables prompt improvement of the driving style through individual feedback and suggestions on the display.

Driver Score provides the driver with important support. Practical messages on the display allow the driver to continuously optimize his driving style. The system evaluates in four categories – acceleration, braking, uniformity and coasting. The Driver Score evaluates the personal driving style for each of these categories according to certain parameters. In the Brakes category, for example, the frequency of retarder use is evaluated at the highest level instead of actuation of the service brake or the sensible sequence of braking. In the Acceleration category, on the other hand, the depressing of the accelerator pedal or the engine speed is examined closely.

Driver Score also recognizes the influence of other categories that affect cost awareness – this includes, for example, tire pressure. There is also feedback on the individual driving style. This is displayed to the driver during the journey or optionally afterwards. In the form of a bar in the display, the driver receives practical tips for optimizing the journey in the event of significant deviations from the ideal driving style. This ensures cost-conscious and efficient use at all times.

Optimal use of vehicle systems – with the Omniplus Expert Handling Training

New functions, complex technology – the innovative assistance systems in the Setra TopClass place high requirements on drivers. You have to understand them to benefit from them. The expert handling training course from Omniplus is a training course on the optimal use of all technological systems in the TopClass. So that coach drivers are safer, more economical and more confident on the road.

The Omniplus Expert Handling Training raises drivers’ awareness of the safe, economical and ecological use of coaches. As a special service, driver training takes place where the knowledge is needed: at the local enterprises. In addition to a theoretical part, the training program also includes practice drives with practical instruction. Expert handling training can also be combined with other Omniplus driver training courses. And: All Omniplus driver training courses are recognized as further training for the purpose of the Professional Training Act.